XG2

All,

I just got an email from my local comcast representative that she has just received some Samsung XG2 boxes. I recently switched to X1 and have one of the Arris boxes which is working great. Should I be an early adopter of the new XG2 box or wait for them to work out the kinks. What are the new features? Anyone have hands on experience with this box?

Re: XG2

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Re: XG2

I just got an email from my local comcast representative that she has just received some Samsung XG2 boxes. I recently switched to X1 and have one of the Arris boxes which is working great. Should I be an early adopter of the new XG2 box or wait for them to work out the kinks. What are the new features? Anyone have hands on experience with this box?

Note that this is a companion with no DVR. If your Arris is a DVR, I don't think you want to swap. But if you have a need for a companion in addition to an Arris DVR, go for it.

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Re: XG2

Yes Robert is right. This clearly appears to be a "Companion" box and as I just mentioned, an important step up from Xi3.

Every mention of this box I found mention IP based so it must not have any tuners just like Xi3. Comcast's own document says clearly says this box is a NON-DVR. However I just found a document that said the FCC tested this device with a CableCard which suggests it does have tuners.

It is very possible this box is BOTH a cloud only DVR AND a Companion box. But Comcast does not appear ready for a cloud only DVR. At this point in time and unless somebody from Comcast who would be in a position to know cares to fill is in, I would view the XG2 as only a Companion box at this time.

"The FCC test documents, first spotted by The Donohue Report, reveal some details on a the coming hybrid (QAM/IP) gateway device (a schematic of the unit is pictured above), with tests run on two boxes – one equipped with a CableCARD module from Arris, and another with a security module from Cisco Systems. As The Donohue Report notes, it’ll also come with integrated WiFi, Bluetooth and ZigBee radios. - See more at: http://www.multichannel.com/blog/bauminator/pace-also-board-comcast-s-xg2/388496#sthash.20gszzEt.dpu...

Comcast could choose to turn off any of those features, just like they have done with their current boxes.

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Re: XG2

QAM/IP suggests it has tuners... Sure sounds like a cloud only DVR to me.

But is Comcast ready to launch this box as anything other than a Companion?

On another note, lets just say Comcast IS ready to test this box as a cloud only DVR in some markets. Quite honestly that would peeve me a great deal bit considering the Twin Cities market still has ZERO cloud DVR services!!!

I have already been paying for cloud DVR services for two years and not receiving them...

"The FCC test documents, first spotted by The Donohue Report, reveal some details on a the coming hybrid (QAM/IP) gateway device (a schematic of the unit is pictured above), with tests run on two boxes – one equipped with a CableCARD module from Arris, and another with a security module from Cisco Systems. As The Donohue Report notes, it’ll also come with integrated WiFi, Bluetooth and ZigBee radios. - See more at: http://www.multichannel.com/blog/bauminator/pace-also-board-comcast-s-xg2/388496#sthash.20gszzEt.dpu...

Comcast could choose to turn off any of those features, just like they have done with their current boxes.

Re: XG2

Yeah, this is the cloud-only gateway. It means that DVR and non-DVR customers get the same STB. I imagine this would initially be deployed in areas that have Cloud, but it could probably replace RNG150s in non-Cloud areas too.

The ZigBee functionality sounds very interesting--it could become a home automation hub.

Re: XG2

Not sure about the Zigbee sc. Zigbee is already being used in current boxes. That is the protocol the RF remotes use.

I suspect the current X1 boxes have already Zigbee, Bluetooth and WiFi. Comcast simply neutered the abilities.

@scjohnson312 wrote:Yeah, this is the cloud-only gateway. It means that DVR and non-DVR customers get the same STB. I imagine this would initially be deployed in areas that have Cloud, but it could probably replace RNG150s in non-Cloud areas too.

The ZigBee functionality sounds very interesting--it could become a home automation hub.

Re: XG2

Forgot about the existing ZigBee support! Hopefully home automation features come to existing STBs as well then.

I can't seem to find anything about the number of tuners it has, but it has got to be a multiple tuner device to support Xi3s. That would be the only purpose for them, since cloud tuners handle recordings. Maybe someone with more RF knowledge can find out via the links below how many tuners this has.

However, Comcast's site does appear to be wrong about the component output. All of the FCC documents show that both the Pace and the Samsung XG2 do not have component.

Re: XG2

Where does it say it has component ?

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Re: XG2

sc,

I am concerned the document on the Comcast web site may have more inaccuracies. I could be wrong but I cannot believe that at this point in time, any manufacturer would build a product with component outputs (look up analog sunset). The lack of component outputs is totally understandable.

On a related note, I recently installed a new brand new Yamaha AV receiver for a good friend. He has tons of sources he wanted to connect so he needed a receiver that had composite, component and HDMI switching. I could not make the component input on the Yamaha work. After studying the Yamaha owners manual, it occurred to me that the component inputs could accept nothing past 480p. Once I set the source unit to 480p, it worked perfectly.

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, the AV companies are trying really hard to kill HD video over component. They can no longer adequately copy guard it.

My recommendation to be that anyone who reads this in the future please do not spend one single dime of money trying to be compatible with HD component video.

Forgot about the existing ZigBee support! Hopefully home automation features come to existing STBs as well then.

I can't seem to find anything about the number of tuners it has, but it has got to be a multiple tuner device to support Xi3s. That would be the only purpose for them, since cloud tuners handle recordings. Maybe someone with more RF knowledge can find out via the links below how many tuners this has.

However, Comcast's site does appear to be wrong about the component output. All of the FCC documents show that both the Pace and the Samsung XG2 do not have component.

Re: XG2

In the grid at the bottom, next to Component, it should be Yes (RNG 150N only) under X1 non-DVR, as XG2 is lumped into that column______________

I'll bet that part wasn't updated yet

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Re: XG2

I just got an email from my local comcast representative that she has just received some Samsung XG2 boxes. I recently switched to X1 and have one of the Arris boxes which is working great. Should I be an early adopter of the new XG2 box or wait for them to work out the kinks. What are the new features? Anyone have hands on experience with this box?

Re: XG2

I live just outside of Boston. This is what the representative emailed me yesterday:

These are new to us and we are just getting comfortable with the job aids we received. However, the XG2 does not have a hard drive and will eventually replace are existing X1DVR’s. It’s cloud base and allows you to support more than 3 AO’s that are connected to the main DVR. It does allow you to pause live TV. I know the big thing to you was the absence of the hard drive. It is made by Samsung.

Re: XG2

I would be happy to test it. Any Comcast lurkers, please pay attention. <g>

Edit: I realize I am not in the test market, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Duly noted. I don't know exactly how this process works. I'll ask and get back to you next week.

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Re: XG2

I would be happy to test it. Any Comcast lurkers, please pay attention. <g>

Edit: I realize I am not in the test market, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Duly noted. I don't know exactly how this process works. I'll ask and get back to you next week.

@ComcastNickM I think there are a few of us who are interested, myself included

Yup! I just neglected to quote everyones post, my apologies.

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Re: XG2

Our X1 works flawlessly, and my wife is also very hesitant to upset the apple cart. I may pass on this opportunity and watch for other guinea pigs on this forum! I may go to the Comcast store, though, just to check it out.

Re: XG2

I confirmed with a few agents through the Internet department's online chat. I was also told the over the phone that service centers are not allowed to hand out any X1 equipment, not sure if this is old news.

Re: XG2

Depends upon the market. In most cases that is "old news" now...

I don't know if Comcast locations will "give" out X1 boxes as part of a new install, but it sounds like existing X1 customers have been able to pick up additional or replacement X1 boxes at Comcast locations.

@Joanne_41 wrote:I confirmed with a few agents through the Internet department's online chat. I was also told the over the phone that service centers are not allowed to hand out any X1 equipment, not sure if this is old news.

Re: XG2

I don't know if Comcast locations will "give" out X1 boxes as part of a new install, but it sounds like existing X1 customers have been able to pick up additional or replacement X1 boxes at Comcast locations.

I went to the office to enquire about X1 the other, day walked out with it and an XB3 Arris TG1682G. (no charge to upgrade, or so they said).They had a few stacked up on the shelves wrapped in plastic, don't think they have put the Moca filter on the outside yet, but everything is up and running fine.

Re: XG2

I believe this is the "protocol" that techs and CSRs follow when installing an Xg2 box. Hope it's helpful to someone wondering if XG2 will work in their setup. "The XG2 v2 acts as the primary set-top box for non-X1 DVR customers and can be used as the fourth additional outlet (A/O) in any X1 household (X1 DVR or X1 Non-DVR) that also includes Xi3 devices. XG2 v2 devices can also be added by swapping out the first RNG150N on an RNG150N-only account. Additional RNG150N swaps in a home should be replaced with Xi3s if the customer has an HDMI TV.For example, if a customer has two RNG150s, and you are swapping only one RNG150N, install an XG2. If you are swapping both RNG150Ns – install one XG2 and one Xi3 device."

Re: XG2

Well I am in the Metrowest suburbs of Boston and I went into the local office three weeks ago and asked for Xi3 companion boxes to replace my Samsung RNG150s. They said I was allowed up to 3 of such boxes and I took the three and swapped them for the RNG150s. I just realized today (since one of the boxes has frozen three times in the last three weeks and I was looking for the SD card to remove and re-insert), that I actually got 3 XG2 boxes. They are Samsung XG2V2-S (Samsung SX022ANM). I was told that these did each take up one of the tuners on my main DVR box (the blue light Arris) which reduced the number of simlutaneous DVR recordings from the Arris box by one for each XG2 that was set to do a DVR recording. As for DVR capabilities, I can confirm that each of the XG2 boxes seems capable of recording, lists and palys the recordings made from the main Arris box (and vice versa), is capable of rewinding live TV (maybe the SD card is internal), responds to voice controls from the XR11 (even though they refused to give me more than one XR11 remote), and is much more responsive to the remote than the RNG150. I will post a picture of the back and bottom of my box to show that there is no component connection, only HDMI, optical audio and straight RCA (red/white) audio outputs once I fiugre out how to post pictures.

Re: XG2

Well I am in the Metrowest suburbs of Boston and I went into the local office three weeks ago and asked for Xi3 companion boxes to replace my Samsung RNG150s. They said I was allowed up to 3 of such boxes and I took the three and swapped them for the RNG150s. I just realized today (since one of the boxes has frozen three times in the last three weeks and I was looking for the SD card to remove and re-insert), that I actually got 3 XG2 boxes. They are Samsung XG2V2-S (Samsung SX022ANM). I was told that these did each take up one of the tuners on my main DVR box (the blue light Arris) which reduced the number of simlutaneous DVR recordings from the Arris box by one for each XG2 that was set to do a DVR recording. As for DVR capabilities, I can confirm that each of the XG2 boxes seems capable of recording, lists and palys the recordings made from the main Arris box (and vice versa), is capable of rewinding live TV (maybe the SD card is internal), responds to voice controls from the XR11 (even though they refused to give me more than one XR11 remote), and is much more responsive to the remote than the RNG150. I will post a picture of the back and bottom of my box to show that there is no component connection, only HDMI, optical audio and straight RCA (red/white) audio outputs once I fiugre out how to post pictures.

Interesting, thanks for the report!

However, because the XG2 has its own tuners, it shouldn't take up any tuners from the DVR for live TV, just for recordings.

Re: XG2

I have my doubts as to whether or not the people who provided the hardware in the Comcast office really know all of the ins and outs of its capabilities. They never told me they were giving me XG2 boxes even though I specifically asked for Xi3 boxes. They also said that the Xi3 boxes would not work with voice control (which may be true, but is not the case for the XG2 boxes they gave me. So they could also be wrong about whether or not the XG2 boxes take up a tuner on the main Arris DVR box. This really is not an issue for me because I never record more than two programs at once and even two at once is rare. So it would never be a problem for me or something I would discover unless I purposely did an experiment to check.